Prince Harry the "hero"

Last week the media went wild over the story of Prince Harry defending his gunner from a homophobic attack. 6 soldiers threatened to "batter" Lance Corporal James Wharton (23) Who then went to Prince Harry, his senior officer at the time "I told him, “I think I'm going to be murdered by the infantry.”" Prince Harry then confronted the 6 soldiers, swearing at them and warning them of the consequences of such an attack. 

This event has been described as a "Jaw dropping story" and Prince Harry has been called a hero by many gay rights groups, media outlets and celebrities. I do not think it is right to use the word "hero" to describe an action that any normal, decent human being SHOULD do. Prince Harry is clearly a good and kind human being. Someone that young people should aspire to be like. He sets a wonderful example as a person and as an ambassador for the United Kingdom and I do not mean to undermine his actions in any way. I, like everyone else, applaud him for his actions and cannot deny a bit of a crush. 

However! I feel that the media have not been focusing on the real story here. The fact that a prospective attack like this was even possible. A British soldier within his own camp genuinely believed his life was in danger from the very people he was working with. People should be outraged and scared at the thought! If our troops are capable of acting like that towards their own "brothers" how can they be trusted to act morally and responsibly towards enemy troops and civilians?

Harry's response of "I knew one of his officers and we cleared everything up. I also told those other lads to back the fuck off, too" feels a little bit like a cop out to me. I personally feel that a threat like this should be treated more seriously and dealt with in a better way than having a chat and using a few swear words. Why should an attack like this be treated LESS seriously when done between SOLDIERS than when done between civilians on the streets? I would also like to add in this quote "Lieutenant Wales looked a little surprised  to see me in one piece, unbeaten, and mentioned that I’d ‘survived the night" I think this quote speaks for itself.

In conclusion, Prince Harry is a wonderful role model and a decent human being. He should be proud of his actions and deserves the respect he has earnt. Lance Corporal James Wharton who is now married and a gay rights activist is an extraordinary wonderful example to the gay community and gay youth of today but this story should be more worrying and sad than positive.  Let us hope that people like Prince Harry and James Wharton continue to make the world a better place, helping to fight prejudice and normalize being gay in the media and within the army. 

Read the Daily Mail article here.